1911 conversions to .22 LR?

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srv656s

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So what do you all know about this?

I'm considering getting a .22 pistol for practice. I kinda did it the wrong (re: expensive) way when it came to pistol shooting. My first pistol was a .45 USP, and from there I got a couple Makarov's, a CZ-52, and finally a couple of 1911's. Now my budget's getting tight, and I can't afford to shoot a couple hundred rounds of .45 through my guns every time I go to the range so I'm thinking of getting myself a .22 to practice with… Sounds like a good plan, but I can't decide what to get.

I'm considering the Ruger 22/45 since it has the familiar 45 grip angle, however one of my 1911's is pretty much just collecting dust in the safe. It's a Norinco 1911, and is pretty crappy compared to my Kimber, so I'm thinking of doing a project on it. I'm thinking if I get a Ciener or Marvel conversion kit, I could dedicate my Norinco to it, and then be able to practice on a gun that feels the same as my carry gun (Kimber). I've read really good things about the Marvel conversion kit, but the Ciener one is a lot cheaper, and I get the dealer discount on it through Brownells.

Anyone got any tips or ideas on this?

Any advice is welcome.

Here's the Ciener kit:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5476

Here's the Marvel kit:

http://www.marvelprecision.com/

Shawn
 
I've got a Ceiner kit. Works well when properly lubricated. Craps out when dry. Reasonably accurate, and lots of fun to shoot. The light slide does make the gun balance at a different point, though.
 
I got a Ceiner kit for my 1911. I love it! I can put twice as many rounds downrange for less than a quarter the price.

I've found it likes CCI MiniMags the best. The standard velocity 22LRs don't cycle the slide properly sometimes. Recoil is neglibly different.
 
Well, I think you're looking at it wrong... You should probably use the conversion on the Kimber if that's what you carry. The idea of the conversion units it to allow dirt cheap practice on your carry gun, not to have a $500 or $600 1911 that shoots 22s.

The Marvel conversion is very nice and you probably can't ask for a much more accurate pistol at anything resembling the same price. I'm all for geting any reason to get another gun, but if I had a decent 1911 which you do, I'd MUCH rather have a conversion for it than a 22/45 with a similar grip angle.
 
Don't know anything firsthand about the current production (non-Colt) conversion units, but have had a 1970s production Colt unit for many years and been quite satisfied with it. Not match grade but will outshoot me most of the time. They can be a little cranky as to the floating chamber getting sticky but I find that Federal 38 gr HVHPs work best in it.

There is a Colt unit currently for sale over at the CSP shopper for $300.
 
Forget the Norinco and get a Marvel, that can be used on your main 1911.

That way you're practicing with the same gun, same trigger, same feel. Sell the Norinco to pay for the Marvel!

The Marvel, while more expensive, may give you the most accurate gun you've ever shot -- used in Bullseye by shooters there in matches... 1/2" at 50 yards, I think, is what's promised.
 
I've had a Ciener top end on a dedicated alloy frame for several years now. It works great and is quite accurate with any high velocity ammo I've used. It does need to be kept very clean and lubed.

BTW: Ciener's reputation for being jerks is well deserved...

Joe
 
I have a Ciener kit (fixed sight) that I install on one of my Colts when I want to plink. Works great and hits point of aim. No complaints.
 
I've seen two or three other brand names like Wilson? Kimber? and maybe one or two others that appear to be manufactured by Ciener. Same same including box, magazine, all except for logo. ;)
 
I'd go with the Marvel if you wanted the most accurate 22 around. If you wanted a separate gun I'd go with the 22/45. Or get both....:)
 
I've got the Ruger 22/45, Ciener and Marvel.

They are all fun to shoot.

As far as accuracy it's,

Ciener the worst (but still OK for plinking)

Ruger, good

and Marvel WAY ahead.
Any shooting under 50 yards is almost a waste of it's potential.
At this time I have mine on an orginal Gov. 1911A1 frame with a cheap BSA Red Dot and it's a fun 50 yard plinker.:)
 
I just ordered the Kimber kit from their custom shop

Is Ciener making the .22 Uppers for Kimber?
Click to expand...

They were apparently this has changed.

Just ordered the conversion kit yesterday and the custom shop person said that Ciener was making them then Kimber would stamp their name and add their sites.

But they had problems with fit and finish (too "loose") and the cost was high (I think $325).

Kimber is now making the kits themselves, I ordered one in stainless for $279 (I think, somewhere in there) - supposedly match grade quality now.

Looking forward to shooting it (I have a stainless GOld Match II that makes me look like a good shooter) - I'll let you know how I like it.

Kit comes with the slide, barrel and mag; apparently uses the same spring which may also be different from the Ciener - I'll confirm when I get it.
 
I have a old Colt ACE .22 conversion unit for my Series 70 .38 Super. I have had absolute reliability with original Colt magazines but when I use off brand mags I do cannot say the same. Accuracy has been acceptable.

I have shot the Colt ACE II, Ciener, Marvel and Wilson. The Wilson unit by far has proven to me to be the most accurate and reliable of the bunch. Not that the other units can't be tuned to be the same way but you do pay a premium for the Wilson name.

Mac
 
.22 conversions

I've had a Ciener Platinum for about 2 years. It has been a good and accurate addition to my 1911 collection; the only thing bad about it is the takedown is cumbersome. Recently I saw a Kimber .22 conv. unit at a gunshop & bought it. Kimber's units were originally made by Ciener, but now Kimber makes it's own, and it's takedown is the same as a 1911 (it even has a barrel bushing). The accuracy of the Kimber seems about like the Ciener (although I've only put a few rounds thru the new Kimber unit so far). The one thing I don't like about the Kimber unit is it's polymer mag- but it will take the Ciener alum. mag. Both my units are finiky about ammo. The Ciener likes Win. Super X HP's & Aguilar HV. The Kimber likes CCI Minimags. Neither unit functions well with standard velocity ammo. :)
 
I've recently bought a Kimber .22 long rifle slide. It's very accurate. It prefers hotter ammunition than I shoot in bullseye competition, so my gunsmith is doing a bit of voodoo magic to improve reliability with standard velocity rounds.
 
I have had a Ceiner for a couple of years and it works great. I never noticed takedown as being difficult. It is more accurate than I am. If I was to do it over, I probably would buy the Marvel just to know I have such an accurate gun.
 
I gave up on Ceiner 9 years ago. I am in the process of building a dedicated Colt 22 Conversion Kit on a LW Caspian Lower End. The checkering and cosmetics are at about 80 %. The top end is new in the box with two magazines. Like the other six 1911's here, progress is our least important product! Maybe we will work tomorrow, or..............................maybe not! The lower end is a scrap one with the Foster name on it but it's good enough for Jazz! Took a lot of hours to clean it up!
 
I've owned an EAA conversion kit that left alot to be desired...:rolleyes: A buddy has a Ceiner kit that works really well when clean & lubed properly. I'm looking at a Kimber kit myself (maybe for X'mas).
 
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